Nollaig na mBan or ‘Little Christmas’ as it is affectionately known is an important date in the Irish calendar.
Not only is it the date many of us will take down our Christmas trees, but it is the day we celebrate the women in our lives. Traditionally it was the day when the men would take on the household duties. The women would hold parties or go out to celebrate the day with their friends, sisters, mothers, and aunts.
Here at All Good Tales, we think it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate some of our favourite female storytellers. We’ve taken a look at women across various sectors who we believe should be celebrated this Nollaig na mBan.
Marian Keyes
Women around Ireland have been reading Marian Keyes‘ books for decades. Her ability to create stories and characters that resonate with you on a personal level. It is her creation of narratives that you can delve into has meant her success has continued to grow and grow.
Ah, oh! The LUSH beauty of Sandymount Strand! You could nearly be in them there Maldives! pic.twitter.com/6d0tt9Br9y
— Marian Keyes (@MarianKeyes) December 4, 2018
While a brilliant fiction storyteller, Keyes is also very open about the stories in her own life. Sharing anecdotes and updates with her followers on Twitter and her weekly YouTube updates.
She lets us into her world where we must learn her language and love the characters that surround her. She is also extremely open about the battles she faces, regularly speaking about alcoholism and her battle with depression.
With a new novel and a BBC Radio 4 comedy series coming this year we’re looking forward to seeing what new stories she will conjure up. Until then we are perfectly happy keeping up to date with her own story and the twists and turns it takes.
Emilie Pine
Last year Emilie Pine and her book Notes to Self has an impact on readers around the country.
I'm so delighted that Notes to Self is shortlisted in two categories for the Irish Book Awards, for both Onside Nonfiction and Sunday Independent Newcomer of the year. The other books on both lists are AMAZING. It's decided by readers & you can vote here: https://t.co/IjbzG8WSqY
— Emilie Pine (@emiliepine) November 15, 2018
Notes To Self is a deeply personal exploration of Pine‘s life. She goes into great detail of life events that shaped her including her father’s alcoholism, the challenges of her work life, infertility, miscarriage and sexual violence.
She doesn’t shy away from the raw truth of her own life stories in this beautifully written and poignant essay collection.
Her ability to craft beautifully told and poignant stories mean she is a storyteller to watch and follow this year.
Sharon Horgan
Ireland has been successful in producing some of the great comedy writers, Sharon Horgan is one of them.
First look at our series 4 legs https://t.co/Er067KgpQs
— Sharon Horgan (@SharonHorgan) November 22, 2018
Two of her biggest successes to date have been comedy series Pulling and Catastrophe, both of which she co-wrote and starred in.
Through her writing and acting talent, she has demonstrated a unique understanding of comedic storytelling. This has been the making of her success.
Her work has not only been loved by audiences but also critically acclaimed. She is the proud owner of a BAFTA and two British Comedy Awards.
As we enter 2019, Horgan has multiple projects in the pipeline including the fourth series of Catastrophe and the third season of HBO series Divorce.
Sinéad Burke
Named as one of Vogue’s 25 most influential women and dubbed “The influencer Ireland needs” Sinéad Burke has made her mark on 2018.
Her message and her mission are simple, to educate designers on how to be fully inclusive in fashion and beyond.
I gave a @TEDTalks in New York and it's live today. https://t.co/oIlsqJQg7W #TED
— Sinéad Burke (@TheSineadBurke) June 21, 2017
Burke has taken up a role with Vogue magazine as a contributing editor which has allowed her to tell her story. As a regular attendee at fashion shows and events, she is bringing a continual reminder to her mission. She has worked with designers and spoken to world leaders about inclusivity and its importance.
Burke is succeeding in telling her own story and those of others. She is slowly but surely changing the world around her and making it a more inclusive place for all.
Her work and her continual efforts mean she is some we will be following closely this year.
Nora Twomey
Cartoon Saloon is one of Ireland’s leading animation company. Known for successful features including Oscar nomination The Breadwinner, The Secret of Kells and Song of the Sea it was co-founded by Nora Twomey.
https://t.co/N4pWdF4XgV #Breadwinner
– Over 300 crew & cast.
– 3 co-producing countries.
– Over 4 years from script to screen.
– Just over 4 seconds of rough animation per animator a week. https://t.co/p96OF3qmrS— Nora Twomey (@nora877) November 22, 2017
In 1999 she partnered with Paul Young and Tomm Moore to found the company, now based in Kilkenny.
Their enormous success and achievements have come from their ability to tell a wonderfully crafted story through engaging and beautiful animation.
Here at All Good Tales, we’re already looking forward to their next project.
